EAD, Aldar, And Emirates Nature-WWF Join Forces For Biodiversity Research At Saadiyat Marine National Park

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), Aldar, and Emirates Nature-WWF are collaborating on marine habitat studies at Saadiyat Marine National Park. This initiative aims to protect the area's unique marine ecosystems. The partnership began when Aldar joined the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative in May 2024, highlighting a shared dedication to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.

Aldar has pledged to conserve and restore coastal ecosystems by signing EAD's partnership pledge. This includes mangroves, seagrass, salt marshes, and microbial mats. Innovative research methods like environmental DNA surveys and remote underwater surveys (BRUVs) are being used to study Saadiyat Marine National Park's nearshore areas.

Saadiyat Marine National Park became part of Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network in 2017. It is managed by the Environment Agency and is home to diverse marine life such as Hawksbill Turtles, dolphins, dugongs, coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and marine invertebrates. The park plays a crucial role in conserving marine biodiversity.

The collaboration aims to create a blueprint for biodiversity stewardship that Aldar can apply across its projects in Abu Dhabi. This will help prevent negative impacts on marine species and habitats. Additionally, the initiative seeks to raise environmental awareness among Saadiyat Island communities through community events and citizen science activities.

Ahmed Al Hashmi from EAD emphasised the importance of partnerships in advancing efforts to study and preserve Abu Dhabi's marine biodiversity. Salwa Al Maflahi from Aldar highlighted their commitment to protecting Saadiyat Island's marine environment and raising local environmental awareness for a sustainable future.

Community Engagement Initiatives

Laila Mostafa Abdullatif from Emirates Nature-WWF expressed enthusiasm for raising awareness about Saadiyat Marine National Park's rich biodiversity with Aldar and EAD. She noted that community engagement is a key aspect of this initiative, with hands-on events planned to highlight the importance of protecting nature and wildlife.

Abu Dhabi boasts diverse ecosystems like mangroves, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, saltmarshes, and microbial mats. These habitats support various marine and coastal species including dugongs, turtles, and migratory birds. Saadiyat Marine National Park was chosen for this project due to its critical role in preserving marine biodiversity.

This partnership reflects a strong commitment to safeguarding Abu Dhabi's natural heritage while fostering community involvement in conservation efforts. Through innovative research and public engagement activities, it aims to ensure a sustainable future for the region's unique ecosystems.

With inputs from WAM